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Rome to Munich by train.

Posted by (pittsburgh) on

In the planning stages of my next European adventure and its time to see Rome. But for me, a trip to Europe isn't complete without seeing Prague too. By my map, the best route would be to take a train from Rome to Munich, then head east from there. My question is, what would be a good place to stop for a day or two between Rome and Munich to break up that long train ride?
Also, I realize that there is never enough time to see a city like Rome, but is 4 days (5 nights) a suitable minimum? Factor in a daytrip to Pompeii in those 4 days also. Thanks for the help, people!

Posted by
32405 posts

frank,

I'd suggest stopping in either Florence or Verona. The latter is a usual transfer point for trains to Munich, so that would be a logical choice.

Posted by
635 posts

Ken has a good point about Verona. The itineraries from Rome to Munich all seem to change trains either in Bologna or Verona. So if you layover anywhere south of Bologna, you'll have to change trains somewhere else on your continuation to Munich.

Yes, the trip to Pompeii from Rome will fill a day, and it can be hectic. Instead of Pompeii, consider Ostia Antica, much less crowded and much closer to Rome. It's about 45 minutes each way, all on the Rome municipal transit system, so it's covered by a Roma Pass.

Is 4 days/5 nights in Rome enough? No, but consider it a tease to bring you back another time! I've been to Rome four times; never more than three days at a time. You just have to make do with the time available.

Don't try to see everything; don't try to go from one tourist-mobbed site to another tourist-mobbed site. Hit a select few of the biggies (preferably at opening time early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, to avoid peak tour-group times), and spend the rest of your time getting to know the city by walking through neighborhoods, seeing lesser-known (but still important and fascinating) sites, and just people-watching. The self-guided walks in Rick's Italy and/or Rome guidebooks are good introductions to the city.

Posted by
162 posts

Thanks for the advice guys. The thumbnail plan I have for Rome is to take a guided tour of the colosseum, a day trip to Pompeii, and spend the other two days taking walking tours and perhaps going to one other major site like the Vatican. And of course eating at some recommended restaurants! Ok, Im going to see what Verona has to offer as a stopover on my way to Munich. Thanks again!

Posted by
16895 posts

I would not discourage you from stopping to see other cities en-route if you have the time to do so, but note that you can also fly direct from Rome to Prague on EasyJet, Vueling, Wizz Air or other carriers for $60-80 one way; see www.skyscanner.com.

Posted by
500 posts

As there are direct Trenitalia trains from Rome to Bolzano, and the Oebb/DB services to/from Munich leave mainly from Verona (some trains from Bologna or Venice), any place between Verona and Bolzano may be an interchange point. So Verona, Rovereto, Trento, Bolzano.

Posted by
5534 posts

My advice - fly and spend more time in Prague and Rome.

Posted by
162 posts

Emily, I thought about that, but I really like riding the trains and I have the time, so can stay on the ground and enjoy the countryside. Its is a bit more expensive though. Train from Rome to Munich, with a stopover in Verona, looks like it will cost about 90 euros. But I think those prices are from a secondhand site. Will probably be cheaper from the official rail site, when I find it, haha. Trip isn't til December though. Lots of time to fiddle with the itinerary.

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